The media would have you believe Kamala Harris is a political superstar. They paint her as a history-making icon, someone who Americans should admire. But if you ask the average American, things start to look a little different. Do voters really feel that strongly about her? Or is this just the latest PR push from her allies on the left?
Harris’s career as both senator and vice president has been marked by plenty of headlines — but not necessarily the kind of achievements that inspire confidence. With a controversial record and unimpressive tenure as VP, many Americans are starting to wonder: is Harris really fit to lead?
Now, it’s not just conservatives asking these questions. In fact, a new report from MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki is sending shockwaves through liberal circles. It turns out Harris’s popularity has dropped significantly in just the last few weeks before the election, challenging the media narrative that Harris is universally beloved.
From Daily Caller:
MSNBC national political correspondent Steve Kornacki said Vice President Kamala Harris’ popularity has drastically taken a downturn in just a matter of weeks before the election…“But Trump, you can see the gap here, 42% positive, he is 6 points underwater on this question. Harris, 39% positive, 49% negative, she’s ten points negative on this question.”
Polls Show a Downward Trend
Kornacki recently shared some surprising numbers from CNBC’s latest poll: Trump now holds a 48% to 46% lead over Harris, who had been ahead in earlier polls. It’s a sharp turnaround, and it coincides with Harris’s rising unpopularity.
According to Kornacki, her negative ratings have now jumped 10 points higher than her positive ones, showing a real drop in favorability. NBC’s polls reflect the same trend, showing that Harris’s once-comfortable lead in the “positivity” rankings has now evaporated.
Americans’ perceptions of Harris are changing fast. Early in her campaign, Harris enjoyed a reasonably favorable public image — or at least one that was on par with Trump’s.
But now? She’s 10 points underwater, with a 39% positive and a 49% negative rating. Kornacki himself called this a “trajectory” problem, noting that her early campaign gains have “gone underwater” as the election draws near.
What’s Behind the Slide?
The decline in Harris’s popularity can’t be ignored, especially since it coincides with her increased media appearances. October was packed with interviews, sound bites, and sit-downs, mostly with sympathetic outlets that generally give her favorable coverage.
But these appearances don’t seem to have helped her numbers — quite the opposite. Kornacki highlighted an October 14 segment where he noted that Harris’s positivity rating dropped by five points from September, while her negative rating jumped to 49%. Even as she makes the rounds on national television, her likability is in free fall.
For a candidate who’s already struggling with perception issues, this is not a good sign. Harris’s reluctance to address hard-hitting topics has only added to voters’ skepticism. She has sidestepped questions on immigration, the economy, and crime, choosing instead to stick to scripted statements and vague talking points.
Her unwillingness to engage on real issues is wearing thin with Americans who want answers — not evasions.
Trump Leading in Key Polls
If Harris’s numbers weren’t already shaky, her opponent’s resurgence in national and swing-state polls should be another red flag for Democrats. The latest Wall Street Journal poll has Trump ahead of Harris by a slight margin, leading 47% to 45% nationwide.
That’s not all: Trump also has a 0.8-point lead in every major swing state, according to RealClearPolling averages. Kornacki acknowledged that these are worrying trends for Democrats, especially since polling historically underestimates Trump’s support.
CNN’s data reporter Harry Enten agrees, reminding viewers that polls in both 2016 and 2020 consistently underestimated Trump’s backing. If history repeats itself, Harris could be in serious trouble come election night.
While her support appears to be wavering, Trump’s base remains strong and resilient, and many are anticipating that “shy Trump voters” could swing the results in key states yet again.
Harris’s Challenge with Swing Voters
For Harris, the biggest challenge lies with swing voters — Americans who might be open to either candidate but are now leaning away from her. These are the voters most likely to be turned off by Harris’s lack of transparency and policy direction.
Her media blitz has done little to reassure this group, and her avoidance of unscripted interactions makes it difficult for voters to gauge her stance on important issues.
As Kornacki pointed out, Harris’s numbers in swing states are particularly weak. These are states where every percentage point counts, and the race could hinge on a few thousand votes.
With Trump’s renewed appeal to working-class voters and his promises of economic strength, Harris’s campaign has its work cut out for it. And if she can’t reverse her downward trajectory, the path to victory will be an uphill battle.
Key Takeaways:
- Despite the media’s promotion, Harris’s popularity has sharply declined.
- Harris’s reluctance to tackle key issues and her reliance on scripted answers aren’t winning over undecided voters.
- While Harris’s numbers drop, Trump’s support appears steady, with pollsters noting that his popularity is often underestimated.
Source: Daily Caller